Shoplifters and illegal hunters targeted during Staffordshire's rural and wildlife crimefighting week
Farms, fields, country lanes, villages, businesses, markets and garden centres were among the locations visited by police as part of a week-long crackdown on rural crime.
In addition, Staffordshire officers held drop-in-surgeries using a mobile police station, carried out bike marking, issued SmartWater forensic asset marking kits, worked with colleagues at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to deliver wildfire prevention messaging; and liaised with local environmental health teams to talk about the impact of fly-tipping.
They also took part in force border operations with West Mercia Police in Shifnal and Albrighton to tackle local issues including anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.
The officers now hope their ongoing visible presence in these communities will deter theft, trespassing and wildlife crime, as well as reassure rural residents that police are there for them and their voices are being heard.
The force said that by engaging with farmers, landowners and rural businesses it hoped residents were confident in reporting issues knowing that efforts were being made to tackle the problems impacting them.
There was also focus on protecting the countryside and preventing fly-tipping and illegal hunting to safeguard local heritage activities.
Staffordshire Police's Inspector Kelly Wareing, who coordinated the activities, said: “Though the week of action has come to a close nationally, officers will still be carrying out visible problem-solving patrols and working to address concerns raised by our rural communities, so do continue to speak to us and report any issues affecting you.”
West Midlands Police made more than 1,000 arrests this week as part of a crime crackdown.
